REVIEWED: F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix’s Spectacular Showstopper
| 17th November 2023
By Richard Jones
Las Vegas doesn’t do things by halves, and the people of Sin City are going all in as they prepare to stage one of the world’s most spectacular sporting events.
The Entertainment Capital of the World’s F1 debut has been in the making for years, and finally, during the weekend of November 16-18, elite motor racing arrived on one of the world’s most famous streets.
Las Vegas Boulevard has changed a lot over the years, and continues to do so, but the iconic Strip’s transformation ahead of its inaugural F1 race has been nothing short of astounding.
The biggest development is unquestionably the Bellagio Fountain Club. Perched above the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, the exclusive three-day area will provide unrivalled track and fountain views, access to the indoor and outdoor hospitality decks, meet and greets with F1 ambassadors, unlimited food and beverage by celebrated chefs, including Mario Carbone, David Chang, Michael Mina and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and master mixologists.
Those seeking excitement behind the wheel can try out the F1 racing simulators, then once the checkered flag has been waved and the cars speed across the finish line, the drivers will head to the Winner’s Stage for post-race interviews.
While packages for the adjacent Bellagio Grandstands have been sold out for months, Bellagio Fountain Club packages include three-day event tickets and accommodations within MGM Resorts’ premier portfolio of rooms and suites, most of which are within walking distance of the circuit.
But the F1 fun doesn’t stop there, with a number of other exclusive events and attractions taking place at the Strip’s top resorts before, during and after race weekend. At the Bellagio, guests can partake in the iconic podium celebration made famous by Australian drivers by purchasing limited-edition driving shoes and drinking from them at the Shoey Bar.
Meanwhile, renowned cognac producer Bénédicte Hardy will personally guide guests through exclusive drink experiences at Le Cirque, Ibiza’s most exclusive cabaret dining experience Lio takes over The Mayfair Supper Club, and The Vault is a secret cocktail club behind the casino cage.
Over at Aria Resort & Casino’s stunning lobby, Alfa Romeo is celebrating its racing DNA with a vehicle display, while legends of the kitchen and bar are coming together for a one-night-only dinner at Jean Georges Steakhouse. Guests can embark on a different culinary journey at Carbone and French-Mediterranean concept Cathedrale.
Next door, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is hosting an exclusive opening night reception at Blue Ribbon with chefs Bruce and Eric Bromberg, while LPM Restaurant & Bar is launching its ninth worldwide location during week of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Aioka will transform the hotel’s already spectacular Boulevard Pool into an electrifying race extravaganza, with revellers enjoying incredible aerial views of the circuit while dancing along to live DJs and sipping on signature cocktails.
At Park MGM’s Mama Rabbit, there are special drinks offers during race weekend, while Italy’s deep racing roots will meet its rich food history on the Racer’s Weekend menu at Tuscan-inspired restaurant Toscana.
If music is your thing, then global superstars Lady Gaga and Usher are both returning to play at Dolby Live at Park MGM throughout this autumn and winter. Across the road at the sprawling MGM Grand, Iron Chef America star Masaharu Morimoto is inviting guests to join him at his restaurant for an extraordinary Omakase dinner experience.
If clubbing is your thing, Fat Joe, Fisher and Steve Aoki are headlining Hakkasan, but if you’d rather relax and unwind, CBD Spas are also open at The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, ARIA and Delano. Last but not least, Vegas’s first-of-its-kind entertainment venue The Sphere recently made its debut with the jaw-dropping show U2:UV Achtung Baby Live.
The Irish rock band are in residency most weeks until January – but not from November 16-18, when Bono and co will get the opportunity to watch the wheel-spinning action on Las Vegas Boulevard. Although one particular set of lights will be going out on the Strip when it hosts its inaugural F1 race, the neon-drenched Entertainment Capital of the World will be shining brighter than ever.
FIVE OTHER F1 DESTINATIONS IN 2024
Monaco (May 24-26)
A weekend at the glamorous Circuit de Monaco isn’t just about racing. And although staying in in the tiny principality isn’t affordable for most fans, transport connections to Nice and Menton are good.
Austria (June 28-30)
Arguably the most picturesque circuit on the F1 calendar, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg also delivers some of the most exciting racing. Tickets are reasonably priced, and the event organisation is first class.
Italy (August 30-September 1)
Monza, on the outskirts of Milan, is the oldest circuit on the F1 calendar. The scene of so many historic races over the years, it retains a special place in the hearts of fans, especially the ‘Tifosi’ of Ferrari.
Singapore (September 20-22)
F1’s original night race is still one of the best races to attend. Excellent nightlife, food, shopping, hotels and tourist attractions are within walking distance of the circuit, and the atmosphere is electric.
Abu Dhabi (December 6-8)
The most expensive F1 circuit ever built, with a reported cost of US$1bn, Yas Marina is the centrepiece of a huge investment on Yas Island that also includes theme parks, shopping, hotels and concert venues.
FACTBOX
Five nights in Las Vegas, with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to Las Vegas and accommodation at Aria Resort and Casino from £1116 per person.
Price is based on a departure on January 13, 2023. To book: virginholidays.co.uk or call 0344 557 3859.
Virgin Atlantic is restarting its direct route from Manchester to Las Vegas from June 2, 2024.